Apparatus and method for electrosurgical suction

ABSTRACT

The invention pertains to techniques or processes for managing surgical smoke. In one embodiment a suction apparatus evacuates the surgical smoke. For example, the suction apparatus may be arranged adjacent to an electrocautery electrode, which may generate smoke during operation, for evacuating smoke from a surgical site.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to electrosurgery and, more particularly,to devices and methods for providing suction for electrosurgery.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many who are unfamiliar with modern surgical procedures may speakgenerally of “going under the knife” in anticipation of undergoing asurgical procedure. Such phrasing conjures a notion of a surgeon cuttinginto his patient using the blade of a scalpel. However, in general termsthe true work-horse of surgeons today may be an electrical device,rather than a surgical scalpel.

Electrocautery devices may provide many advantages over traditionalscalpels. In particular, electrocautery devices may help to controlbleeding by cauterizing blood vessels while cutting. Despite suchadvantages, other challenges may still remain. A surgical smoke plumerising from a surgical site when electrocautery devices are in use maycomprise steam as well as volatile organic compounds (including benzene,toluene, and xylene), acrolein, phenol, cresols, hydrogen cyanide,formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, polycyclic aromatic compounds, and carbonmonoxide.

Exposure to some constituents of the surgical smoke plume may pose ahealth hazard to doctors and other operating room personnel. Thus thereis a need for improved techniques for managing surgical smoke.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to techniques or processes for managing surgicalsmoke. In one embodiment a suction apparatus evacuates the surgicalsmoke. For example, the suction apparatus may be arranged adjacent to anelectrocautery electrode, which may generate smoke during operation, forevacuating smoke from a surgical site.

The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as amethod, system, device, or apparatus. Several embodiments of theinvention are discussed below.

As a suction apparatus for an electrosurgical pencil that alternativelyemploys one of a plurality of differently shaped electrocauteryelectrodes, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include atleast an extendable suction tube comprising a main suction tubealternatively coupled with at least one of a plurality of differentlyshaped suction tip extension members, wherein each of the differentlyshaped suction tip extension members is shaped for receiving acorresponding respective one of the differently shaped electrocauteryelectrodes; a housing supportively coupled with the extendable suctiontube; and an extension control slideably coupled with the housing andcoupled with the extendable suction tube for controlling extendablemovement of at least one of the differently shaped suction tip extensionmembers over the corresponding respective one of the differently shapedelectrocautery electrodes.

As a suction attachment for an electrosurgical pencil that alternativelyemploys one of a plurality of differently shaped electrocauteryelectrodes one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include atleast a plurality of differently shaped suction tip extension members,wherein each of the differently shaped suction tip extension members isshaped for receiving a corresponding respective one of the differentlyshaped electrocautery electrodes; an attachment housing for fluidcoupling with one of the plurality of differently shaped suction tipextension members; and an engagement member for releasably securing thesuction attachment to the electrosurgical pencil.

As a method for using an electrosurgical pencil that alternativelyemploys one of a plurality of differently shaped electrocauteryelectrodes, one embodiment can, for example, include at least receivingone of the differently shaped electrocautery electrodes in acorresponding respective one of a plurality of differently shapedsuction tip extension members of an extendable suction attachment;electrically activating the electrocautery electrode; and moveablyextending one of the plurality of differently shaped suction tipextension members.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1A shows a suction apparatus for use with a surgical instrument.

FIGS. 1B and 1C are cutaway views of the suction apparatus shown in FIG.1A.

FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate one-handed operation for controlled extension ofthe extendable suction tube of the extendable suction attachment.

FIGS. 3A-3E are detailed views illustrating operation of suction controlports.

FIGS. 4A-4C are detailed views illustrating a plurality of differentlyshaped suction tip extension members and a plurality of differentlyshaped electrocautery electrodes.

FIGS. 4D-4E are detailed views illustrating an electrode extender, aplurality of differently shaped suction tip extension members and aplurality of differently shaped electrocautery electrodes.

FIG. 5A is a detailed cutaway view of one embodiment of the smoke intakemanifold of the suction apparatus.

FIGS. 5B-5D are end views showing controllable operation of the smokeintake manifold of the suction apparatus.

FIGS. 6A-6E illustrate engagement and releasable securing of the suctionattachment with the surgical instrument.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the suction attachment.

FIG. 8 shows another alternative embodiment, wherein suction capabilityis made integral with the surgical instrument.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a process for using a surgical instrumentthat may generate smoke.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a process for using an electrosurgicalpencil that alternatively employs one of a plurality of differentlyshaped electrocautery electrodes.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of another process for using a surgicalinstrument that may generate smoke.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of another process for using anelectrosurgical pencil.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to techniques or processes for managing surgicalsmoke. In one embodiment a suction apparatus evacuates the surgicalsmoke. For example, the suction apparatus may be arranged adjacent to anelectrocautery electrode, which may generate smoke during operation, forevacuating smoke from a surgical site.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are discussed below withreference to FIGS. 1-12. However, those skilled in the art will readilyappreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect tothese figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extendsbeyond these limited embodiments.

FIG. 1A shows a suction apparatus 1001 for use with a surgicalinstrument 1003 that may generate smoke. The suction apparatus 1001 maycomprise an extendable suction attachment 1001 for one handed operationwith the surgical instrument 1003. The suction apparatus 1001 (e.g.extendable suction attachment 1001) and its related components may beformed from one or more suitable materials, for example, comprisingmedical grade plastic. The suction apparatus 1001 (e.g. extendablesuction attachment 1001) and its related components may be formed bysuitable techniques, for example, by molding.

The surgical instrument 1003 may comprise an electrosurgical pencil1003, which may have an electrocautery electrode 1005, a handpiece 1007,and at least one switch 1009 for activating the electrocautery electrode1005. As shown in FIG. 1A, the electrocautery electrode 1005 may becoupled through switch 1009 and through a high voltage cable to a radiofrequency generator 1010, which is suitably selected of electrosurgery.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the invention is not strictly limited touse with the electrotrosurgical pencil 1003 and with the electrocauteryelectrode 1005 shown in the figures. In alternative embodiments, thesurgical instrument may be other than the electrosurgical device. Forexample, the surgical instrument may be a laser surgical device or aradiosurgical device, which may generate smoke or other vaporous waste.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the extendable suction attachment 1001 may comprisean extendable suction tube 1011 having proximal and distal ends. Theextendable suction tube 1011 may have a suction tube lumen 1012 arrangedfor receiving the electrocautery electrode 1005 of the electrosurgicalpencil 1003. The suction apparatus 1001 may further comprise anextension control 1013 coupled with the extendable suction tube forcontrolling extendable movement of the distal end of the extendablesuction tube 1011 over the electrocautery electrode 1005. For example,as shown in FIG. 1A, the extension control 1013 may comprise a thumbcontrol 1013 coupled with the extendable suction tube 1011 forcontrolling extendable movement of the distal end of the extendablesuction tube 1011 over the electrocautery electrode 1005. Switch 1009may comprise a finger switch 1009 disposed on an outer surface of thehandpiece 1007 of the electrosurgical pencil 1003; and the thumb control1013 may be arranged as shown in FIG. 1A for one handed operation of theextendable suction attachment 1001 with the finger switch 1009 of theelectrosurgical pencil.

As shown in FIG. 1A the extendable suction attachment 1001 may furthercomprise a smoke intake manifold 1014 having a smoke intake lumen,wherein the smoke intake manifold 1014 may be adapted for arrangementadjacent to the surgical instrument 1003 and/or the electrocauteryelectrode 1005. In particular, the smoke intake manifold 1014 may bearranged proximate to the electrocautery electrode 1005 when theelectrocautery electrode 1005 is received by the suction tube lumen 1012of the extendable suction tube 1011. As mentioned previously herein, inalternative embodiments the surgical instrument may be other than theelectrosurgical device 1003 shown in FIG. 1A. For example, the surgicalinstrument may be the laser surgical device or the radiosurgical device.In such cases, the smoke intake manifold may be adapted for arrangementadjacent to the laser surgical device or the radiosurgical device.

As shown in FIG. 1A the smoke intake manifold 1014 may have an outerperimeter, and a plurality of suction intake ports 1017 may be arrangedabout the outer perimeter of the smoke intake manifold 1014 forevacuating smoke that may be generated by the surgical instrument 1003.The extendable suction attachment 1001 may further comprise anattachment housing 1019 fluidly coupled with the smoke intake manifold1014 and with the proximal end of the extendable suction tube 1011.

The extendable suction tube 1011 may be adapted for evacuating andtransporting liquid (or liquid intermixed with some smoke) duringsurgical operations with the surgical instrument 1003, while the smokeintake manifold 1014 may be adapted for evacuating and transportingsmoke during surgical operations. The suction apparatus 1001 may furthercomprise and an isolation member disposed within the attachment housing1019 for isolating the extendable suction tube 1011 and smoke intakemanifold 1014 from fluid intercommunication within the attachmenthousing 1019. The isolation member disposed within the attachmenthousing 1019 may substantially isolate liquid evacuated by theextendable suction tube 1011 from smoke evacuated by the smoke intakemanifold 1014. Further, the isolation member disposed within theattachment housing 1019 may provide for substantially separate transportof the liquid and smoke, so that the liquid may be output at a liquidoutput port 1023 of the suction apparatus 1001 for collection at aliquid vacuum and reservoir 1025, while the smoke may be output at asmoke output port 1027of the suction apparatus 1001 for collection at asmoke vacuum and filter 1029. As shown in FIG. 1A, suitable tubing maybe used for fluidly coupling the liquid output port 1023 of the suctionapparatus 1001 with the liquid vacuum and reservoir 1025, and forfluidly coupling the smoke output port 1027 of the suction apparatus1001 with the smoke vacuum and filter 1029. Since some smoke may beintermixed with the liquid, the liquid vacuum and reservoir 1025 mayalso include its own smoke filter.

FIGS. 1B and 1C are cutaway views of the suction apparatus 1001 shown inFIG. 1A. In particular, FIG. 1C shows a detailed cutaway view. As shownin FIGS. 1B and 1C, the attachment housing 1019 may be supportivelycoupled with the proximal end of the extendable suction tube 1011.

As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the extendable suction tube 1011 may beadapted for evacuating and transporting liquid (or liquid intermixedwith some smoke) during surgical operations with the surgical instrument1003. In FIGS. 1B and 1C notional flat arrowheads show the flow of theliquid from intake at the distal end of the extendable suction tube1011, through the lumen 1012 of the extendable suction tube 1011, andthrough a first interior chamber 1018 of the attachment housing 1019 tobe output at the liquid output port 1023 of the suction apparatus 1001.

The smoke intake manifold 1014 may be adapted for evacuating andtransporting smoke during surgical operations. In FIGS. 1B and 1Cnotional flat arrowheads show the flow of smoke from the intakemanifold, through a second interior chamber 1020 of the attachmenthousing 1019 to be output at the smoke output port 1027 of the suctionapparatus 1001. The isolation member 1021 is shown in FIG. 1C separatingthe first and second interior chambers 1018, 1020.

As shown in FIG. 1C, the isolation member 1021 may be disposed withinthe attachment housing 1019 for isolating the extendable suction tube1011 and smoke intake manifold 1014 from fluid intercommunication withinthe attachment housing 1019. As shown in FIG. 1C, the isolation member1021 may substantially isolate liquid evacuated by the extendablesuction tube 1011 from smoke evacuated by the smoke intake manifold1014. The isolation member 1021 may coupled with the extendable suctiontube 1011 and the smoke intake manifold 1014 for substantially isolatingthe extendable suction tube 1011 and smoke intake manifold 1014 fromfluid intercommunication.

FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate one-handed operation for controlled extension ofthe extendable suction tube 2011 of the extendable suction attachment2001. In the figures, an operators hand, and in particular movement ofthe operator's thumb is shown in dashed or phantom line. Extensioncontrol 2013 (for example thumb control 2013) may be slideably coupledwith the attachment housing 2019 and may be coupled with the extendablesuction tube 2011 for controlling extendable movement of the distal endof the extendable suction tube 2011 over the electrocautery electrode2005. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2E, the operator's thumb mayslideably move thumb control 2013 for controlling extendable movement ofthe distal end of the extendable suction tube 2011 over theelectrocautery electrode 2005.

As will be discussed in greater detail subsequently herein with respectto FIGS. 2A-2E, the extendable suction attachment 2001 may furthercomprise: a first movement limiting slot 2031 coupled with theattachment housing 2019 for limiting movement of the extendable suctiontube 2011 to a preselected full extent of the distal end covering theelectrocautery electrode; and an opposing movement limiting slot 2033coupled with the attachment housing for limiting movement of theextendable suction tube 2011 to a preselected retraction extent of thedistal end of the extendable suction tube 2011, so as to expose theelectrocautery electrode outside 2005 of the lumen of the extendablesuction tube 2011.

FIG. 2A shows movement of the extendable suction tube 2011 to a positionof a preselected full extent of the distal end of the extendable suctiontube 2011 covering the electrocautery electrode 2005. As shown in FIG.2A the first movement limiting slot 2031 may be coupled with theattachment housing 2019 for limiting movement of the extendable suctiontube 2011 (via limiting movement of the thumb control 2013) to thepreselected full extent of the distal end covering the electrocauteryelectrode 2005. FIG. 2B is a detailed cutaway view showing the firstmovement limiting slot 2031 limiting the movement of the extendablesuction tube (via limiting movement of the thumb control 2013) to thepreselected full extent of the distal end covering the electrocauteryelectrode.

FIG. 2C shows movement of the extendable suction tube 2011 to a positionof an intermediate extent of the distal end of the extendable suctiontube 2011 partially retracted and partially covering the electrocauteryelectrode 2005.

FIG. 2D shows movement of the extendable suction tube 2011 to a positionof a preselected retraction extent of the distal end of the extendablesuction tube 2011, so as to expose the electrocautery electrode 2005outside of the lumen of the extendable suction tube 2011. FIG. 2E is adetailed cutaway view showing the opposing movement limiting slot 2033limiting the movement of the extendable suction tube (via limitingmovement of the thumb control 2013) to the preselected retraction extentof the distal end of the extendable suction tube, so as to expose theelectrocautery electrode outside of the lumen of the extendable suctiontube.

FIGS. 3A-3E are detailed views illustrating operation of suction controlports, which may be fluidly coupled with the proximate end of theextendable suction tube 3011 for controlling suction at the distal endof the extendable suction tube 3011. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3E, a firstsuction control port 3035 may be disposed at a location extendingthrough the thumb control 3013. A second suction control port 3037 mayextend through a wall of the attachment housing 3019, wherein the secondsuction control port 3037 may be fluidly coupled with the proximate endof the extendable suction tube 3011 for controlling suction at thedistal end of the extendable suction tube 3011. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3E,the second suction control port 3037 may be arranged at a locationadjacent to the location of the first suction control port 3037.

As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the first movement limiting slot 3031 may becoupled with the attachment housing 3019 for limiting movement of theextendable suction tube 3011 to the preselected full extent of thedistal end of the extendable suction tube 3011 covering theelectrocautery electrode 3005. In such case, first and second suctioncontrol ports 3035, 3037 may be arranged in substantial alignment asshown in FIGS. 3A-3C, when the thumb control 3013 slideably coupled withthe attachment housing 3019 controls the movement of the extendablesuction tube 3011 to the preselected full extent of the distal end ofthe suction tube 3011 covering the electrocautery electrode 3005.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the first suction control port 3035 may be disposedat a location extending through the thumb control 3013, andsubstantially sized for variable sealing of the first suction controlport by an operator's thumb in one handed operation of the extendedsuction attachment with the electrosurgical pencil. In the figures, theoperator's thumb is drawn in dashed of phantom line. Full sealing by theoperator's thumb in FIG. 3A is shown corresponding to full suction atthe distal end of the suction tube 3011, wherein such full suction atthe distal end of the suction tube 3011 is depicted in FIG. 3A by anotional flat arrow head.

Partial sealing by the operator's thumb in FIG. 3B is showncorresponding to diminished suction at the distal end of the suctiontube 3011, wherein such diminished suction at the distal end of thesuction tube 3011 is depicted in FIG. 3B by a notional flat arrow headhaving a reduced size. Parasitic control suction may be admitted to thecontrol ports 3035, 3037 by the partial sealing by the operator's thumbin FIG. 3B, wherein such parasitic control suction is depicted in FIG.3B by another notional flat arrow head having the reduced size.

No sealing of control ports 3035, 3037 by any operator's thumb is shownin FIG. 3C. Accordingly, substantially no suction is shown in FIG. 3C atthe distal end of the suction tube 3011, and full parasitic controlsuction may be admitted to the control ports 3035, 3037, wherein suchfull parasitic control suction is depicted in FIG. 3C by a full sizednotional flat arrow head at the control ports 3035, 3037.

In contrast to FIGS. 3A-3C, which show that the first and second suctioncontrol ports 3035, 3037 may be in substantial alignment when the thumbcontrol 3013 slideably coupled with the attachment housing 3019 controlsthe movement of the extendable suction tube 3011 to the preselected fullextent of the distal end of the suction tube 3011 covering theelectrocautery electrode 3005; as shown in FIGS. 3D-3E variablemis-alignment the first and second control ports 3035, 3037 may providevariable sealing of the control ports 3035 for controlling suction atthe distal end of suction tube 3011. FIG. 3D shows the first and secondsuction control ports 3035, 3037 in substantial mis-alignment when thethumb control 3013 slideably coupled with the attachment housing 3019controls the movement of the extendable suction tube 3011 to theposition of intermediate extent of the distal end of the extendablesuction tube 3011 partially retracted and partially covering theelectrocautery electrode 3005. Partial sealing by partial orintermediate mis-alignment of the first and second control ports 3035,3037 in FIG. 3D is shown as corresponding to diminished suction at thedistal end of the suction tube 3011, wherein such diminished suction atthe distal end of the suction tube 3011 is depicted in FIG. 3D by anotional flat arrow head having a reduced size. Some parasitic controlsuction may be admitted to the control ports 3035, 3037 by the partialsealing by partial or intermediate mis-alignment of the first and secondcontrol ports 3035, 3037, wherein such parasitic control suction isdepicted in FIG. 3D by another notional flat arrow head having thereduced size.

FIG. 3E shows movement of the extendable suction tube 3011 to theposition of preselected retraction extent of the distal end of theextendable suction tube 3011, so as to expose the electrocauteryelectrode 3005 outside of the lumen of the extendable suction tube 3011.In substantially full mis-alignment as shown in FIG. 3E, the secondsuction control port may no longer be visible through the first suctioncontrol port 3035. A substantially full sealing by the substantiallyfull mis-alignment of the first and second control ports in FIG. 3E isshown as corresponding to substantially full suction at the distal endof the suction tube 3011, wherein such substantially full suction at thedistal end of the suction tube 3011 is depicted in FIG. 3E by the fullsize notional flat arrow head.

FIGS. 4A-4C are detailed views illustrating a plurality of differentlyshaped suction tip extension members and a plurality of differentlyshaped electrocautery electrodes. The suction apparatus may be used withthe electrosurgical pencil, which may alternatively employ one of theplurality of differently shaped electrocautery electrodes 4040, 4042. Asshown in FIGS. 4A-4C extendable suction tube 4043 may comprise mainsuction tube 4011 alternatively coupled with at least one of a pluralityof differently shaped suction tip extension members 4039, 4041, whereineach of the differently shaped suction tip extension members 4039, 4041is shaped for receiving a corresponding respective one of thedifferently shaped electrocautery electrodes 4040, 4042. Attachmenthousing 4019 may be supportively coupled with the extendable suctiontube 4043. Extension control 4013 may be slideably coupled with thehousing 4019 and coupled with extendable suction tube 4043 forcontrolling extendable movement. Accordingly, extendable movement of atleast one of the differently shaped suction tip extension members 4039,4041 may be controlled over the corresponding respective one of thedifferently shaped electrocautery electrodes 4040, 4042.

As discussed in detail previously herein, the first movement limitingslot may be coupled with the housing for limiting movement of extendablesuction tube to the preselected full extent over the electrocauteryelectrode. The opposing movement limiting slot may be coupled with thehousing for limiting movement of the extendable suction tube to thepreselected retraction extent over the electrocautery electrode, so asto expose the electrocautery electrode outside of the extendable suctiontube. Further in line with such previous teachings herein, firstmovement limiting slot may be coupled with the housing for limitingmovement of at least one of the differently shaped suction tip extensionmembers 4039, 4041 to a preselected full extent over the correspondingrespective one of the differently shaped electrocautery electrodes 4040,4042. Opposing movement limiting slot may be coupled with the housingfor limiting movement of at least one of the differently shaped suctiontip extension members 4039 to the preselected retraction extent over thecorresponding respective one of the differently shaped electrocauteryelectrodes 4040, 4042, so as to expose the corresponding respective oneof the differently shaped electrocautery electrodes 4040, 402 outside ofat least one of the differently shaped suction tip extension members4039, 4041.

As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, each of the suction tip extension members 4039,4041 may have a respective one of a plurality of differently shapedlumens, so that each of the lumens may be shaped for receiving thecorresponding respective one of the differently shaped electrocauteryelectrodes 4040, 4042. Each of the suction tip extension members 4039,4041 may have a respective one of a plurality of different longitudinaldimensions L1, L2, so that each of the longitudinal dimensions L1, L2 ofthe suction tip extension members may be selected for receiving thecorresponding respective one of the differently shaped electrocauteryelectrodes 4040, 4042. Each of the suction tip extension members 4039,4041 may have a respective one of a plurality of different radialdimensions R1, R2, so that each of the radial dimensions R1, R2 of thesuction tip extension members 4039, 4041 may be selected for receivingthe corresponding respective one of the differently shapedelectrocautery electrodes 4040, 4042.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4A a first suction tip extension member4039 may have a first longitudinal dimension L1 selected for receiving ablade shaped electrocautery electrode 4040 having a correspondinglongitudinal dimension L1. The first suction tip extension member 4039may have a first radial dimension R1 selected for receiving the bladeshaped electrocautery electrode 4040 having a corresponding radialdimension R1.

As another example, as shown in FIG. 4B a second suction tip extensionmember 4041 may have a longitudinal dimension L2 selected for receivinga hoop shaped electrocautery electrode 4042 having correspondinglongitudinal dimension L2. The second suction tip extension member 4041may have a radial dimension R2 selected for receiving the hoop shapedelectrocautery electrode 4042 having corresponding radial dimension R2.Comparison of FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrates movement between alternativeextension and retraction positions of the extendable suction tube 4043over the hoop shaped electrocautery electrode 4042.

FIGS. 4D-4E are detailed views illustrating an electrode extender 4045,a plurality of differently shaped suction tip extension members 4039,4041 and a plurality of differently shaped electrocautery electrodes4050, 4052. Accordingly the suction apparatus may be adapted forreceiving at least one electrode extender 4045 for alternativelycoupling with one of the plurality of differently shaped electrocauteryelectrodes 4050, 4052. At least one of the suction tip extension members4039, 4041 may be adapted for receiving at least one electrode extender4045 for alternatively coupling with one of the plurality of differentlyshaped electrocautery electrodes 4050, 4052.

FIG. 5A is a detailed cutaway view of one embodiment of the smoke intakemanifold of the suction apparatus. The smoke intake manifold maycomprise a ring manifold 5014, which may have a lumen 5055 extendingsubstantially around the ring manifold 5014. The ring manifold 5014 mayhave an inner perimeter 5057 for receiving the surgical instrument, andmay have an outer perimeter 5058. A plurality of suction intake ports5017 may be arranged about the outer perimeter 5058 of the ring manifold5014 for evacuating smoke that may be generated by the surgicalinstrument. In FIG. 5A, notional flat arrowheads show smoke taken intothe lumen 5055 of the ring manifold 5014 through the suction intakeports. As shown by notional flat arrowheads in FIG. 5A, the smoke maymove through the lumen 5055 of the ring manifold 5014 to be collected inone of the interior chambers of the attachment housing.

FIGS. 5B-5D are end views showing controllable operation of the smokeintake manifold (e.g. ring manifold 5014) of the suction apparatus. Thesuction apparatus may further comprise a rotatable suction control band5061, which may substantially encircle the suction intake ports 5017 ofthe outer perimeter of the ring manifold 5014 for variably sealing thesuction intake ports 5017 of the ring manifold 5014, so as to variablycontrol suction for evacuating smoke that may be generated by thesurgical instrument. As shown in FIGS. 5B-5D the rotatable suctioncontrol band 5061 may have a plurality of suction control ports 5063penetrating the rotatable suction control band 5061. Each of the suctioncontrol ports 5063 may be arranged adjacent to a respective one of thesuction intake ports 5017 for variable alignment therewith, so as tovariably control suction for evacuating smoke that may be generated bythe surgical instrument.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the rotatable suction control band5061 may be rotatably positioned for substantially sealing the suctionintake ports of the ring manifold 5014. In FIG. 5B, the plurality ofsuction control ports 5063 may be fully mis-aligned with the suctionintake ports, so that the suction intake ports are not visible.

As another example, as shown in FIG. 5C, the rotatable suction controlband 5061 may be rotatably positioned for partial sealing of the suctionintake ports 5017 of the ring manifold 5014, so as to provide forpartial admittance of smoke into the suction intake ports 5017 of thering manifold 5014. In FIG. 5C, small flat notional arrowheadsillustrate the partial admittance of smoke. In FIG. 5C, the plurality ofsuction control ports 5063 may be partially aligned and may be partiallymis-aligned with the suction intake ports 5017, so that the suctionintake ports 5017 are partially visible.

As yet another example, as shown in FIG. 5D, the rotatable suctioncontrol band 5061 may be rotatably positioned for substantially openadmittance of smoke at the suction intake ports 5017 of the ringmanifold 5014. In FIG. 5D, large flat notional arrowheads illustrate thesubstantially open admittance of smoke. In FIG. 5D, the plurality ofsuction control ports 5063 may be fully aligned with the suction intakeports 5017, so that the suction intake ports 5017 are fully visible.

FIGS. 6A-6E illustrate engagement and releasable securing of the suctionattachment 6001 with the surgical instrument 6003 (e.g. electrosurgicalpencil 6003). For example, FIG. 6A illustrates the suction attachmentreleasably secured to the surgical instrument 6003. FIG. 6B show partialseparation of the suction attachment 6001 and the surgical instrument6003, as the surgical instrument 6003 is lifted back and away from thesuction attachment 6001.

FIG. 6C shows full separation of the suction attachment 6001 from thesurgical instrument 6003. As shown, the suction attachment 6001 may beseparable from the surgical instrument 6003. The suction attachment maybe disposable.

At such full separation, a first engagement member 6065 may be visible.As shown in FIG. 6C, the first engagement member 6065 may be coupled ata location within a central bore of the suction attachment 6001 forreceiving and releasably securing the surgical instrument. The firstengagement 0member 6065 may comprise an o-ring. The first engagementmember 6065 may comprise an expanded foam. The first engagement member6065 may comprise an adhesive tape. The first engagement member 6065 maycomprise a thermoelastic polymer gasket.

As shown in FIG. 6C, an opposing engagement member 6067 may be coupledat a distal location from first engagement member 6065, for receivingand releasably securing the surgical instrument. The opposing engagementmember 6067 may comprise a U shaped clip. The opposing engagement membermay be made integral with the attachment housing of the suctionattachment 6001.

The engagement members of the suction attachment 6001 may bealternatively arrangeable with the electrosurgical pencil forambidextrous one handed operation of the thumb control of the suctionattachment 6001 and the finger switch of the surgical instrument 6003.Whereas releasable securing of the suction attachment 6001 with thesurgical instrument 6003 as shown in FIGS. 6A-6B may be suitable forright handed operation, alternative arrangement may be employed for lefthanded operation. FIGS. 6D-6E show such alternative arrangement forreleasable securing of the suction attachment 6001 with the surgicalinstrument 6003, which may be suitable for left handed operation.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the suction attachment 7001for the surgical instrument 7003. There has been previous discussionherein of the isolation member disposed within the attachment housingfor substantially separating transport of liquid and smoke, so that theliquid may be output at the liquid output port while the smoke may beoutput at a smoke output port. However, in the alternative embodimentshown in FIG. 7, a single output port 7069 may be provided, instead oftwo ports as discussed previously herein. In the alternative embodimentshown in FIG. 7 the isolation member may be omitted.

FIG. 8 shows another alternative embodiment, wherein suction capabilityis made integral with the surgical instrument 8001. In the alternativeembodiment shown in FIG. 8, a single output port 8069 may be provided,instead of two ports as discussed previously herein. Further, in thealternative embodiment shown in FIG. 8, features of the attachmenthousing discussed previously herein need not be separate from thesurgical instrument housing, and may be made integral with the surgicalinstrument. In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 8 the engagementmembers discussed previously herein may be omitted.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a process 900 for using a surgicalinstrument that may generate smoke. Such process 900 may begin withreceiving 902 the surgical instrument within an inner perimeter of aring manifold, wherein the ring manifold has a plurality of suctionintake ports disposed about an outer perimeter of the ring manifold. Theprocess 900 may continue with releasably securing 904 the ring manifoldto the surgical instrument. The process 900 may continue with activating906 the surgical instrument so as to generate smoke. The process 900 maycontinue with evacuating 908 the smoke using the suction intake ports ofthe ring manifold. The process 900 may continue with separating 910 thering manifold from the electrosurgical pencil. The ring manifold may bedisposable and separating 910 may further comprise disposing of the ringmanifold. Once the ring manifold has been separated from the surgicalinstrument, the process 900 may end.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a process 1000 for using an electrosurgicalpencil that alternatively employs one of a plurality of differentlyshaped electrocautery electrodes. The process 1000 may begin withreceiving 1002 one of the differently shaped electrocautery electrodesin a corresponding respective one of a plurality of differently shapedsuction tip extension members of an extendable suction attachment. Theprocess 1000 may continue with electrically activating 1004 theelectrocautery electrode. The process 1000 may continue with moveablyextending 1006 one of the plurality of differently shaped suction tipextension members. The process 1000 may continue with separating 1008the extendable suction attachment from the electrosurgical pencil. Theextendable suction attachment may be disposable and such separating 1008may further comprising disposing of the extendable suction attachment.Once the extendable suction attachment has been separated from theelectrosurgical pencil, the process 1000 may end.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of another process 1100 for using a surgicalinstrument that may generate smoke. The process 1100 may begin withproviding 1102 a suction apparatus comprising an extendable suction tubeand a smoke intake manifold having a plurality of suction ports. Theprocess 1100 may continue with activating 1104 the surgical instrumentso as to generate smoke. The process 1100 may continue with evacuatingthe smoke 1106 using suction intake ports of the smoke intake manifold.The process may continue with moveably extending 1108 the extendablesuction tube. The process 1100 may continue with evacuating liquid 1110using the extendable suction tube during surgical operations with thesurgical instrument.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of another process 1200 for using anelectrosurgical pencil. The process 1200 may begin with receiving 1202the electrocautery electrode within a lumen of an extendable suctiontube of an extendable suction attachment. The process 1200 may continuewith releasably securing 1204 the extendable suction attachment to theelectrosurgical pencil. The process 1200 may continue with electricallyactivating 1206 the electrocautery electrode. The process 1200 maycontinue with moveably extending 1208 the extendable suction tube of theextendable suction attachment. The foregoing may comprise one handedoperation of the extendable suction attachment with the electrosurgicalpencil. The process 1200 may continue with separating 1210 theextendable suction attachment from the electrosurgical pencil. Theextendable suction attachment may be disposable and the separating 1210may further comprise disposing of the extendable suction attachment.

The various aspects, features, embodiments or implementations of theinvention described above can be used alone or in various combinations.

Different aspects, embodiments or implementations may, but need not,yield one or more of the following advantages. One advantage of theinvention may be convenience or efficiency in evacuation of smoke and/orliquid. In turn, health of doctors and other health workers may bepromoted by avoiding contact with smoke, once it is evacuated. Anotheradvantage may be flexibility in using various differently shapedelectrocautery electrodes. Another advantage may be the foregoingconvenience or efficiency of evacuation when using the variousdifferently shaped electrocautery electrodes. Another advantage may beinhibiting spread of infection by separating and disposing of disposablesuction attachments.

The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparentfrom the written description. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the inventionshould not be limited to the exact construction and operation asillustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of theinvention.

1. A suction apparatus for an electrosurgical pencil that alternativelyemploys one of a plurality of differently shaped electrocauteryelectrodes comprising: an extendable suction tube comprising a mainsuction tube alternatively coupled with at least one of a plurality ofdifferently shaped suction tip extension members, wherein each of thedifferently shaped suction tip extension members is shaped for receivinga corresponding respective one of the differently shaped electrocauteryelectrodes; a housing supportively coupled with the extendable suctiontube; and an extension control slideably coupled with the housing andcoupled with the extendable suction tube for controlling extendablemovement of at least one of the differently shaped suction tip extensionmembers over the corresponding respective one of the differently shapedelectrocautery electrodes.
 2. A suction apparatus as recited in claim 1wherein each of the suction tip extension members has a respective oneof a plurality of differently shaped lumens, so that each of the lumensis shaped for receiving the corresponding respective one of thedifferently shaped electrocautery electrodes.
 3. A suction apparatus asrecited in claim 1 wherein each of the suction tip extension members hasa respective one of a plurality of different longitudinal dimensions, sothat each of the longitudinal dimensions of the suction tip extensionmembers is selected for receiving the corresponding respective one ofthe differently shaped electrocautery electrodes.
 4. A suction apparatusas recited in claim 1 wherein each of the suction tip extension membershas a respective one of a plurality of different radial dimensions, sothat each of the radial dimensions of the suction tip extension membersis selected for receiving the corresponding respective one of thedifferently shaped electrocautery electrodes.
 5. A suction apparatus asrecited in claim 1 wherein the suction apparatus is adapted forreceiving at least one electrode extender for alternatively couplingwith one of the plurality of differently shaped electrocauteryelectrodes.
 6. A suction apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein atleast one of the suction tip extension members is adapted for receivingat least one electrode extender for alternatively coupling with one ofthe plurality of differently shaped electrocautery electrodes.
 7. Asuction apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising an engagementmember for releasably securing the suction apparatus to theelectrosurgical pencil.
 8. A suction apparatus as recited in claim 1wherein the suction apparatus is separable from the electrosurgicalpencil.
 9. A suction apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the suctionapparatus is disposable.
 10. A suction apparatus as recited in claim 1further comprising at least one movement limiting slot coupled with thehousing for limiting movement of at least one of the differently shapedsuction tip extension members to a preselected full extent over thecorresponding respective one of the differently shaped electrocauteryelectrodes.
 11. A suction apparatus as recited in claim 1 furthercomprising at least one movement limiting slot coupled with the housingfor limiting at least one of: movement of at least one of thedifferently shaped suction tip extension members to a preselected fullextent over the corresponding respective one of the differently shapedelectrocautery electrodes; and movement of at least one of thedifferently shaped suction tip extension members to a preselectedretraction extent over the corresponding respective one of thedifferently shaped electrocautery electrodes, so as to expose thecorresponding respective one of the differently shaped electrocauteryelectrodes outside of at least one of the differently shaped suction tipextension members.
 12. A suction apparatus as recited in claim 1 furthercomprising: a first movement limiting slot coupled with the housing forlimiting movement of at least one of the differently shaped suction tipextension members to a preselected full extent over the correspondingrespective one of the differently shaped electrocautery electrodes; andan opposing movement limiting slot coupled with the housing for limitingmovement of at least one of the differently shaped suction tip extensionmembers to a preselected retraction extent over the correspondingrespective one of the differently shaped electrocautery electrodes, soas to expose the corresponding respective one of the differently shapedelectrocautery electrodes outside of at least one of the differentlyshaped suction tip extension members.
 13. A suction attachment for anelectrosurgical pencil that alternatively employs one of a plurality ofdifferently shaped electrocautery electrodes comprising: a plurality ofdifferently shaped suction tip extension members, wherein each of thedifferently shaped suction tip extension members is shaped for receivinga corresponding respective one of the differently shaped electrocauteryelectrodes; an attachment housing for fluid coupling with one of theplurality of differently shaped suction tip extension members; and anengagement member for releasably securing the suction attachment to theelectrosurgical pencil.
 14. A suction attachment as recited in claim 13wherein the suction attachment is separable from the electrosurgicalpencil.
 15. A suction attachment as recited in claim 13 wherein thesuction attachment is disposable.
 16. A suction attachment as recited inclaim 13 wherein the suction attachment is adapted for receiving atleast one electrode extender for alternatively coupling with one of theplurality of differently shaped electrocautery electrodes.
 17. A suctionattachment as recited in claim 13 wherein at least one of the suctiontip extension members is adapted for receiving at least one electrodeextender for alternatively coupling with one of the plurality ofdifferently shaped electrocautery electrodes.
 18. A method for using anelectrosurgical pencil that alternatively employs one of a plurality ofdifferently shaped electrocautery electrodes comprising: receiving oneof the differently shaped electrocautery electrodes in a correspondingrespective one of a plurality of differently shaped suction tipextension members of an extendable suction attachment; electricallyactivating the electrocautery electrode; and moveably extending one ofthe plurality of differently shaped suction tip extension members.
 19. Amethod as recited in claim 18 further comprising separating theextendable suction attachment from the electrosurgical pencil.
 20. Amethod as recited in claim 19 wherein the extendable suction attachmentis disposable and further comprising disposing of the extendable suctionattachment.